Immediate steps to take
- Contact your landlord or property manager right away and explain that your unit has no running water.
- Check whether the outage affects only your unit, the building, or the neighbourhood so you can tell your landlord and the utility provider.
- Document the situation with dated photos or video and keep a short log of times, who you called and what was said.
- Ask the landlord for an expected timeline for repairs and whether temporary measures (e.g., bottled water) will be provided.
Emergency repairs and habitability
Running water is a basic element of habitability. If the outage poses immediate health or sanitation risks, the problem is treated as an emergency and the landlord must act promptly. You can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance about habitability and emergency repair obligations.[1]
Notifying the landlord and following up
Tell your landlord about the outage in writing (email or text so there is a record) and keep copies of every message. If the landlord does not respond or the repair is unreasonably delayed, you may be able to seek remedies through the Residential Tenancies Branch or a dispute application. When discussing repairs, mention dates and times, any accessibility or health concerns, and any temporary solutions you need.
Official forms and the tribunal
Manitoba tenants can use the Residential Tenancies Branch processes to request orders if the landlord fails to repair essential services. A common form is the Application for Dispute Resolution (used to ask the Branch to decide on repairs, rent abatements, or other remedies). Submit the application when you have documented attempts to contact your landlord and the problem remains unresolved.[3] For the legal framework, see the Residential Tenancies Act for Manitoba.[2]
Documenting evidence and common remedies
- Keep photos, videos, dated messages, and a short written log of calls, visits, and any expenses you incur (bottled water, motel, laundry).
- Keep copies of written repair requests and any responses from the landlord or building staff.
- Possible remedies include orders for repair, rent abatements for the outage period, or compensation for reasonable costs caused by the outage.
Related resources and guidance
For emergencies and urgent repair rights see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. For routine maintenance expectations and who pays for what, review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. If you need temporary housing or are searching for other rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme may help locate alternatives quickly.
FAQ
- How fast must my landlord fix no running water?
- Landlords must respond quickly to restore a basic service like water; if the outage creates a health or safety risk, it is treated as an emergency and prompt action is required.
- Can I withhold rent if there is no water?
- You should not withhold rent without using the proper tribunal process; instead, document the issue and apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for a rent abatement or order if the landlord does not fix it.
- What if the landlord enters the unit to fix the problem?
- Landlords may enter to make repairs, but they must follow notice rules unless it is an emergency; keep records of entries and communications.
How-To
- Gather evidence: photos, videos, dated messages and receipts for emergency purchases.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request immediate repairs, keeping copies of all messages.
- Complete and submit the Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch if repairs are not made.
- Attend any hearing or call arranged by the Branch and present your documentation to ask for an order or rent reduction.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Branch - Manitoba
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
- Residential Tenancies Branch forms and guides
